I'd like to have a try at yoga to help improve my flexibility and also because i'm intrigued by the breathing and meditation aspects. But I know nothing about yoga at all and wonder where the best place to start with it is. I know there's a few practitioners amongst our runners, so would be grateful for any advice/tips or just encouragement lol, as I feel a little bit intimidated by it being a middle aged chap.
Yoga advice: I'd like to have a try at yoga to... - Bridge to 10K
Yoga advice
pinkaardvarkGraduate10
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pinkaardvark
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Keep-it-tickingGraduate10
I think I'll follow this, interested too but as a chap who's pushed past midlife don't know if I'd be comfortable in a group of lycra clad flexible youngsters.
I guess it all depends on your definition of "youngsters". There seems to be a good selection of ages at the class I started going to.
I’m not a practioner but I attend a yoga class and can definitely try to motivate you. My class includes a wide range of ages from ladies in their 20s to people in there 80s. There’s even a few men (middle aged) that attend. No Lycra in sight, just comfortable clothing - leggings, trackie bottoms, baggy t shirts. I have found the breathing exercises have really helped my breathing when I run and I feel calmer and more in tune with my body. Try it, you never know you might enjoy it!🧘♂️🧘♂️🧘♂️
Thanks kimterry. By practitioner I just meant someone who does yoga, so that's you :). Good thoughts, I have ordered a yoga mat and towel so will definitely pop along for a trial somewhere. We don't have the big yoga style places you probably get in the big towns, out here in the villages it's more small less formal arrangements in village churches and what not, so have put my feelers out to find somewhere local.
DDP Yoga.
Looks a bit max power for my liking rignold lol. I am actually interested in the spiritual and mindfullness aspects of it. That website looks like some chap using yoga to smash stuff lol...
Some home vids are probably a good place to start though, but I'd definitely like the one on one human aspect a bit more at least initially.
Really? I am always impressed by all the insprirational stories of the people whose lives have been transformed on the DDP site. Like Chirs Jericho and Jake roberts and Arthiur Boormann. Never seen anyone smashing anything. But I guess one man's motivation is the next man's Max Power.
Just my initial reaction from the Americanness of the site. Will given it a proper look see. Thanks.
ju-ju-Graduate10
The yoga class at my gym finishes just before I start spinning so I see them all come out with their rolled up mats and special water containers. I have to say they all look pretty miserable and haven't lost a drop of sweat between them. I went to a class once with my sister and I got the giggles really badly. We finished the class tucked up in a blanket. Frankly I could do that at home ( ie go to bed).
Kinda feel the same way about spinning. Why pay to stand up on me bike, could just take the seat off. And who doesn't want to end the day snuggled up in a blankie 
That is indeed very true....we are all very different...
WizziewoodGraduate10
I've just started a Vinyasa yoga class because like you I need to improve my flexibility. Vinyasa is a flowing yoga and although I haven't worked up a sweat I do feel I use my whole body. It's too early to say what the long term effects will be but I feel it compliments my running nicely.Hopefully you'll get some replies from experts so we can all learn something.
I'm not a chap but I do understand how you feel about joining a class. My class is a weekday morning and mainly consists of young Mum's so as a 60 year old I'm the oldest and feel like the odd one out. However everyone's been really welcoming so I'm sure you'd have a similar experience.
Good luck ... give it a go! .. and let us know how you get on
Thanks for the encouragement Wizzie wood. Glad to hear it helps compliment your running
misswobbleGraduate10
I do yoga at home Ju and I have to tell you it’s fab😃 💪
If you think about it, it’s been followed for zillions of years so there has to be a reason for its continued popularity. It’s challenging! Believe me! Plus, i’m Only doing beginners!!! It challenges everything. Your muscles twitch by doing the smallest of moves You should know this, being a nurse, eg when the doc taps your knee gently with the hammer, what happens 🙂
Also, by breathing into your stretch means you can get that bit deeper into it. The smallest of movements can effect you so much, the moves for the back.
The balance exercises are challenging too! I did these at the gym yesterday, but on my fitness hour, so all the other disciplines dip into yoga all the time Jillian .michaels kicks serious ass but she dips heavily into the yoga world I think push up position is possibly a yoga move 😃. Tip toe pose is a tiny insignicant move which looks like nothing but try doing one! 😱 It’s all about maintaining flexibility,strengthening and toning
By dismissing it you’re missing the point. It’s not all about throwing yourself around frenetically. Yoga will make you sweat plenty, even the beginners!
I’ve got two Tamal Dodge one’s from Amazon 👍
Try this one Ju I give you 😃💪😱
m.youtube.com/watch?v=WYKn5...
ooo I will try that if you do it and recommend it!!!
It’s so hard. Some of these moves are barely there but crikey me. Holy molay. They make you curse 😁💪👍. It’s quietly introvert but it’ll kill ya 😃. Many of them will but I’m still on beginners 😁😬
blimey, I am like the tin man, I think I will struggle!!
Have a go, it’ll only take a few mins. Lemme know how you get on.
I will look forward to the youtube vid of you both doing it 
Ju-ju, maybe you could add a yoga move or two into your 10k vids..
Oh blimey that would be more like something for You've Been Framed!!!!
There’s one move and I get very discombobulated 😁. It’s a triangular pose, and you’re inverted, No wonder I’m called Miss Wobble 😎
I like the body twists! Good for bloat and indigestion amongst other things. Constipation too apparently. I walk away from my yoga half hour or hour feeling freed up! Which is why I started it as I’m like a board post run sometimes.
Have you tried the shoelace pose, Miss W? It is AMAZING for reaching deep muscles in glutes, and I love it. A real ahhhhh moment when I do it after a run! 👌
I know the one! I’ve not tried it yet but I will 👍
Just gave it a go. My poor toes were clinging to the floor like crazy but I did manage to come up again so all those squats and lunges must have done some good.
Well done! Apparently it challenges our fast twitch muscles 👍
OMG that looks so hard. Do you think this sort of flex needs to start in childhood and never stop or can a ‘nearly’ 61 year old get there...I might be 81 before I do. Wonderful poise and strength most impressive 🤩
Hello pink!
People often dont realise there are many styles of yoga. But in my opinion it is not just the style that matters, it is also the teaching manner.
It might be an idea to go onto youtube and see for yourself the range available. If you have a smart tv you can have a practice alongside in your living room. But it is a really good idea to attend a few classes to ensure good form first if you can. Also, some teachers may offer one to one tuition, so maybe google who/what is abailable where you are.
As Wizziewood above says Vinyasa yoga is a flowing style so the transitions add to the programme. Take a look on line at Ekhart Yoga for Runners. This is one I sometimes use because she has a gentle manner. Alternatively try Yoga with Adrianne, who is a little more loud but again i like her style.
I am lucky as my son travels the world teaching Yoga, Mindfulness and Meditation amongst other things, so I have for sometime had one to one lessons whenever he is home.... lovely in the garden in the summer. If you want to try meditation see if you can get to a meditation centre for an introduction maybe.🙏🏼
Thanks for the informed post millsie-j. Much appreciated.
Millsie-J 's mentions of Ekhart Yoga and Yoga with Adrienne are just the ones I'd make too. My brother (a runner) uses Adrienne. I tried out Ekhart Yoga on YouTube, which fixed a very painful back with a tiny movement and now have a paid subscription to the main Ekhart Yoga website. Lots of teachers to try out and some good talks. Pick your level of woo.
Andrew Wrenn on there is excellent for beginners (I have no idea if he is any good for the advanced as I am always going to be a beginner) Getting past the whole "Ugh, beads in his beard and weird symbols on his top" stuff is also an important spiritual practice...
Thanks google me. Will definitely have a look at those two. Not too worried about beard beads, though I do tend to get worried by dreadlocks and aztec print leggings lol
pinkaardvarkGraduate10
I thought the flow style might be harder for beginners so I'm gonna give a local japanese lass a try who does the more static hatha style which seems to focus on the breathing and spirituality aspects a bit more. Will let you know how I get on, it's not for a few weeks as she is yogic bouncing or something off in sri lanka. May try some youtube stuff in preparation
That sounds terrific! The flow style can have quite challenging transitions for sure, again depending on the teachers style etc,
The breathing is a key element of all yoga, sometimes folk are too shy to embrace it fully.
These yoga gurus do tend to travel all over, thats a good sign in my book, they continually learn from many different schools of yoga.
You will really enjoy it to compliment everything else you are doing Im sure. I would love to know hoe you go on 🙏🏼
Will certainly do a write up once I have had a go. Place I'm gonna try is this one kaivalyayoga-kai.com which is quite handy for me. I would normally describe myself as a hardened cynic with zero interest in the spiritual side of life but I have softened lately and i'm very intrigued and a lot more open to stuff around mindfullness etc as you don't have to embrace the doctrine to get a lot from it.
looks like you'll have a great start with what you're going to try - just wanted to add a point on the gender thing, the first class I attended had a male teacher, and recently I've been going to a newly trained teacher's, also a man (to be fair, he's married to a female yoga teacher!) and one of my other regulars we have a high percentage of men in the class. They are out there, the male yoga bunnies
your approach with the hatha first is (by accident) what I did, so I approve 
That's good to know that there are some lads out there trying it. Out of interest what does one wear as a chap for yoga.. not sure running tights will cut it as yoga pants don't sound very manly. Will shorts and a T do the trick? or do I need to invest in new wardrobe?
hmmmmm. I can't help thinking - I do try not to stare!! - that my male companions/teachers are probably wearing something slightly longer than pants, and close fitting, under their shorts. Put it this way: sometimes you'd be able to see up them, during class...
but otherwise you should wear something comfy, stretchy, which allows you to check how you are positioned (ie baggy joggers might not be ideal as you can't see how your knee is bent, for example). Running tights + shorts might be good, if you don't want to only wear the tights?
Hopefully no new wardrobe
Good call.. was just gonna wear gym shorts. Will inspect them closely to check they are appropriately mesh lined to avoid accidental gusset drop out.
You know, I've never considered the inner structure of mens' gym shorts, but now I can't get the words "mesh gusset" out of my head...
Yep it's a mind worm indeed. But there's nothing worse than dropping ones gusset at an inopportune moment . I don't know why i'm worried as I don't wear gym shorts like I wear a swim short, so have supportive underwear on anyways lol.
Accidental gusset drop out... good lord... That has planted a dreadful mental image.
Perhaps jogging bottoms that aren't particularly baggy but aren't leggings either? I have a yoga/pilates studio in front of my house and a lot of the women I see coming and going seem to wear that sort of thing.
Sorry I couldn't help myself. Gusset is just one of those words in the english language that insists one make a gag of it.
Or that just simply makes one gag.
I wear running clothes. Typically shorts, but I'd be perfectly comfortable in running tights as well. Something that doesn't restrict your movement is the main criteria. Nobody is really looking at you.
Tiki yoga pants made from recycled mineral water bottles
I thought you were being facetious but now I see they truly exist...
pinkaardvark , I have to insist you practice yoga wearing these "Mermaid fairyqueen lavender bell-bottoms", which apparently are suitable for "honoring all of the self. royalty within. we kiss the depths and fly free in all ways".
teeki.com/collections/sale/...
Your new incarnation as an Insta-yogi begins here...
Facetious, moi? I feel you must have me confused with another.
You see, thats why the internet isn't such a good thing for people with too much time on their hands..
I was actually at work at the time too... sshhhhhh....
Sadie-runsGraduate10
Yoga feels sooooo good when you are a runner! I do 15 minutes a day, and focus on stretching the bits of me that need it after running. (There are some great hip stretches and moves that strengthen hips and core). I practice at home as I have been doing yoga for over 16 years now. But, to start, I did classes for a good few years. Always best to start out with a teacher. And as others have said, classes tend to be very mixed, in terms of ages and sexes (though in my experience there are always less men!) I admire a man who does yoga.
HeleneCorsaGraduate10
I think Irish-John has some experience of yoga (and as far as I know he is a bloke 😉)
I am indeed a bloke 😂
As for yoga wear - I resurrected an old pair of black sweat pants and a one size too big tee shirt.
The ladies seem to like it that a man has the wisdom to do yoga btw. And Yogi's are a friendly bunch, just like Runners
Yogi’s are generally also a very respectful bunch too John.
🤭
Absolutely!
PashleyPedallerGraduate10
Hi Pink. If you can find an Iyengar teacher in your local area, then I'd strongly recommend that you to try those classes. It's based on traditional Hatha yoga but uses lots of props, such as blocks and belts, to help achieve the poses and gain maximum benefit. There are many schools of yoga and a good, qualified tutor is essential. I've been doing yoga for about 11 years and can recommend it in combination with running to ease out tight muscles and strengthen core. Everyone works at their own pace and my class is made up of people of all ages and from all walks of life; there's lots of blokes and hardly any lycra, if that's what you're worried about! Just wear comfortable (though not too baggy) t-shirt and shorts. Hope this helps - have fun!
This might be more in line with your spiritual goals
Hilarious 🤣
Re spiritual side (and its vaguely comical aspect), I can't help but think of our resident Buddhists. During the summer someone new moved in upstairs and we kept hearing this weird noise in the morning - sounded like some strange sort of repetitive alarm. We soon realised it was Buddhist chanting, and in fact people come over to the house every morning to do it. (We also have a Buddhist centre in front of our house, next door to the yoga place). Harsh though it sounds, the visitors are pretty much the type you might expect - women of a certain age with chihuahuas. The guy who holds these events at his house is odd - seems like some kind of charlatan guru.
However to my great amusement, some of the women passed us on the stairs the other day, post-chant and one imagines in a state of heightened spiritual enlightenment or whatever. The words I caught as they passed by translated roughly as, "Well I told that ba$tard to stick it up his ...". Proper bona fide Roman Buddhists.
I use the DownDog app. It really talks you through each pose step by step, tells you when and how to breathe and has real variety for each practice
Hi yoga with Adrienne on you tube is fantastic. She has a huge following. My middle aged husband does her yoga regularly as he has many aches and pains and it keeps them at bay. She even has a couple of yoga for runners videos and runners cool down but I recommend the 30 day yoga. Changes your mindset too as all very positive
Thanks okbooboo. Will definately have a look at that site this weekend and the eckhart one that was mentioned. Be nice to prepare myself a little before my trial in a few weeks. Feels funny to have trepidation over a yoga session, I must be getting far to set in my ways.
Yoga is actually quite scary at first but Adrienne talks you into it nicely, in her own words "Just find what feels good". Hope you enjoy it
I agree. I did her lessons for about, ooh, five days... I'd really like to start out the 30 day thing again. I found it great in the evening, whereas other exercise makes me too perky at that time. I need to organise myself better in the evenings to start doing it again instead of just running around like a maniac trying to get everything done and then falling exhausted into bed at an ungodly hour.
My smallest son kept quizzing me about what I was doing and copying me which was very cute but also a bit distracting.
Adrienne is really appealing and very, very thorough. She is a great teacher.
Yes I like Yoga by Adrienne too. Good for between class practice.
Another recommendation is Fightmaster Yoga by Lesley Fightmaster on YouTube
agedsnailspaceGraduate10
Like Doyouremember21, I use Downdog app. It's free (unless you want all bells and whistles) and trust me, you will break into a sweat. You get out of it what you put in. If you really stretch through to the ends of your fingers, you will feel benefit much more than just holding up your arms. The app changes the routine slightly every day, so it doesn't become stale. I love it and highly recommend it.
No need to feel intimidated. I'm a middle aged chap and I went to my first yoga class (a "yoga for runners" hosted at a running shop) a little over a month ago. I'd say the place to start is... walking in the door. Having an instructor to walk you through it is much nicer than trying to follow along on some DVD or TV show, because you can't really watch them for the most part, but the instructor can watch you and correct you, and you can steal glances at the people off to either side of you or (depending on the pose) behind you to see if what you're doing looks like what they're doing. Everybody's very friendly, too.
Have a look at Yin Yoga, Its been part of my routine for a few months now and have found it excellent and really helps with flexibility and range of movement in my case too.
I have had a lower back problem for a long time which has made my body quite inflexible especially around the hips lower back (Psoas muscle group mostly).
I can’t recommend it enough, it literally has pretty much fixed my back, helped posture and generally improved my ability to run more comfortably.
YouTube has a vast amount of videos on it, one of my favourites on there is by a lady called Natasha. Her style is really good and one of the easiest to follow I have come across.
PinkAardvark ... Finding a yoga teacher and class that suits you is the trickiest part of your yoga journey. But when you do, and without trying to sound dramatic, (and this from a Glaswegian Granny) it could change your life. Being an older chap I recommend Hatha or classical yoga and try to find a small class so your teacher can correct your postures or offer alternatives if need be. You may feel self conscious to begin with but persevere. Dont be put off if you don't feel you ‘fit’ in a class, just try another. I had a beginners introduction course lasting six weeks which was very helpful. I cant recommend yoga highly enough. I started at 58 years old, I’ve never been interested in keeping fit but through yoga a couple of hours a week I have more strength and flexibility now than I had in my thirties:). My son-in-law competes in mixed martial arts and he tells me many of the lads he trains with swear by yoga. Good luck!
aww a weegie! I'm fae kirkintilloch Not sure I like being called an 'older chap' lol I feel young at 42 
Oops sorry I meant as opposed to the ‘young things in lycra’☺️
So! Kirkie eh? I was brought up in Bishopbriggs but now living in Lancashire. Its a small world.
Good luck with your yoga.
I’ve been doing yoga for quite a few years now, at my local class in the next village (I live in rural Devon). I find yoga and running the best combination of exercise as the yoga develops the flexibility and suppleness which supports better running form and keeps me injury free. The key though is to find the right class and you may end up trying different teachers until you find the right one for you.
My class has people from their 40s to their 80s; two or three blokes and usually three or four women. Two of the class members are ex military and past marathon runners and have been doing yoga to support their running for decades precisely because of the benefits of strength and suppleness.
It needs to be hard to do and to give you a feeling of really stretching your muscles. I’m always glad when it’s over because it’s tough, not because you sweat but because you hold the position and focus on your breathing and that requires a lot of muscle strength.
And I’ve never laid under a blanket in my class!
Thanks for the info Fionn42. Will see how it goes with the first instructor but will try some different places also if I gel with it. I do really want to do this and or pilates as I don't do much on the flexibility front and I'm hoping this will also help the lower back.
Do let the instructor know about things like the lower back or any other injuries, aches that want attention, they might give specific tips/alterations. 🙏 namaste
misswobbleGraduate10
Just got back from WW class and yoga was brought up. Turns out there is a very good teacher at my new gym. The lady that got me going with C25k goes Apparently it’s so popular that you have to book ten days in advance and be there on the dot or you don’t get in
We were dancing in our class again today. Class Hokey Cokey and general nuttiness The theme being “better together” as some peeps won’t exercise on their own
I am a miserable toad and quite like exercising alone. How it irritates me when the weights room fills up with young beautiful six-foot muscled Adonises.
Sandraj39Graduate10
Haven't read all the replies yet so this may have been discussed already. I did quite a lot of yoga when I was younger (don't practice so often now unfortunately) but the one thing I have carried with me is the diaphragmatic breathing (or abdominal breathing). Encourages good use of full lung capacity rather than just taking air into your 'upper chest' - v beneficial for runners for obvious reasons! Yoga is definitely something I would love to find time for again. Great for strength, balance and flexibility. Good luck☺
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